Depletion of substantial vitamin A-reserves in growing rats

Abstract

1. Rats of 5-6 weeks of age with a vitamin A-reserve of about 1,200 I.U., when fed a vitamin A deficient ration depleted their reserves in the livers in 24 weeks’ time. 2. Characteristic symptoms were observed in the rats of the same ages after the 26th week when fed the same vitamin A-deficient ration; these are described in detail. The rats when given curative treatment by dosing vitamin A responded very readily and regained normal vitality and appetite. Body weight increases were recorded.